There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

The City provides a number of services to residents, including refuse collection and recycling. In addition, the City is responsible for maintaining streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

Call.Click.Connect., the City’s online customer service system, allows customers to submit service requests, report problems, search for information, or find the right contact to call for various issues and topics of interest.

Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

The City provides a number of services to residents, including refuse collection and recycling. In addition, the City is responsible for maintaining streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

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Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria; December 6 - December 12, 2008

Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7 – Pet Photos With Santa
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will host “Pet Photos with Santa” on December 5-7 at the Olde Towne School for Dogs, 529 Oronoco St. Both pets and people are welcome to pose with Santa. All proceeds benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and the animals of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. To schedule an appointment, call 703.836.7643.

Saturday, December 6 – City of Alexandria Hosts Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
The City of Alexandria invites the public to attend the 38th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade at 11 a.m. in historic Old Town. The centerpiece of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, the parade celebrates the City's Scottish heritage, featuring more than 100 Scottish clans, bagpipe and drum bands, living history reenactment groups, dog clubs, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. This year’s grand marshal is Willard Scott of NBC’s “The Today Show.” For additional information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Weekend, visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.

Saturday, December 6 – Ornament Decorating Workshop for Families
Be inspired by the colors and patterns of pottery excavated in Alexandria and make a memorable holiday keepsake at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union, #327. From 1 - 4 p.m., participants can decorate and take home dough ornaments which are shaped like artifacts from the museum’s own collection. This free event is great for families! For more information, call 703.838.4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.

Saturday, December 6 – Burke & Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Alexandria's harbor lights up as more than 50 brightly-lit sailing and powered leisure boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City's historic waterfront. Come enjoy the festivities from 4 – 7 p.m. at the City Marina, located at 0 Cameron St., including pictures with Santa for kids and canines. Pictures begin at 4 p.m., and the parade at 6 p.m. For additional information, or to participate in the parade, please call 703.838.4200, ext. 209.

Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 – HistoricAlexandriALIVE Returns!
The talented troupe of performers for HistoricAlexandriALIVE is coming back to the Alexandria waterfront for special holiday shows. These performances will take place at the new Historic Alexandria History Center & Museum Shop, 101 North Union Street. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Patrick Henry, one of Virginia’s early governors, visits Alexandria’s waterfront. Later that day, from 4 - 7 p.m., musician Stephen Christoff explores early American music, playing an octave mandolin, hand-flute, saw and other instruments. Signora Bella, the Italian equilibrist and 18th-century acrobat, will perform amazing feats including juggling swords and walking the slack rope, on Saturday, from 4 - 7 p.m. and on Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, please call 703.706.5262 or visit oha.alexandriava.gov/oha-main/oha-historicAlexandriaLive.html.

Sunday, December 7 – Eleventh Annual Women, Art and Shopping Holiday Spectacular!
Join the Friends of the Alexandria Commission for Women and the Commission for Women for the Women, Art and Shopping Holiday Spectacular, scheduled from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Next Realty Building, 1100 N. Fayette Street, nine blocks north from the intersection of King and N. Fayette Streets, at the end of Fayette. Admission is free and complimentary refreshments will be served. Purchase art and crafts from emerging women artists (jewelry, cards, ceramics, quilting, glass, clothing, handbags, children's items, photography, pottery and more) just in time for the holidays. Fifteen percent of all proceeds benefit the Commission for Women and Alexandria Office on Women projects. For more information, please call 703.838.5030.

Sunday, December 7 – Holiday Open House at Alexandria Fire Station #201
The public is invited to a Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alexandria Fire Station #201, located at 317 Prince Street. Food and drinks will be provided courtesy of the Green Stream Condominium Owners Association. Fantastic holiday photos are available with Santa and the Old Fire Engine Steamer for $10 each. Photo proceeds will go directly to support the Alexandria Firefighters Helping Hands Fund.

Sunday, December 7 – Thirty-Fourth Annual Toys for Tots Benefit Square DancePut on your dancing shoes and make plans to attend the 34th Annual Toys for Tots Benefit Square Dance from 1 - 5 p.m. at Lee Center Exhibit Hall, 1108 Jefferson St. This year’s theme is “Let’s Do More at Thirty Four,” and features a special performance by the Capital Squares Demonstration Team at 3 p.m. The annual square and round dance benefits the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive. No admission fee is charged, but the recommended donation is a new, unopened toy or a $10 minimum contribution per couple ($5 for singles). For additional information, call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or the Special Events Office at 703.838.4844.

Sunday, December 7 – Holiday Concert in Old Town Alexandria
Enjoy the music of the season in Old Town Alexandria at a holiday concert at Market Square, 301 King Street. At 2 p.m., Shir Tze’ir, a performer of Jewish a cappella music will perform, followed at 3 p.m. by the Family Choir of Beth El Hebrew Congregation, who will perform Hanukah favorites. For more information, call the City’s Special Events hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Monday, December 8 – Landmark/Van Dorn Plan Community Open House
The Landmark/Van Dorn Advisory Group will be hosting an open house at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room adjacent to Lane Bryant at Landmark Mall. The purpose of the open house is to present the recommendations of the Draft Landmark/Van Dorn Corridor Plan and to provide members of the public with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the plan with city staff. For more information, please contact Pat Mann at 703.838.4666, ext. 303.

Tuesday, December 9 – iMovie Mentors Film Festival
Come and discover Alexandria's hidden treasures at the Second Annual iMovie Mentors Film Festival, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Theater, 815 ½ King Street. The iMovie Mentors Program is in its second year of operation and serves sixth grade boys at George Washington Middle School. The film festival premieres short films and crime prevention public service announcements that have been created by the students and their mentors. For more information, please call Linda Odell at 803.838.4144.

Wednesday, December 10 – Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee
The Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room #1101 at City Hall, 301 King St. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee to review preliminary development plan approvals for compliance with the Potomac Yard Urban Design Guidelines. Members of the public are invited to comment following the Advisory Committee's discussion. For more information, please contact Matt North at 703.838.4666, ext. 326.

Thursday, December 11 – Opening Reception for Childhood Memories in Miniature: African American Dollhouses Exhibition
Meet the creators of the new exhibition at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., at this special reception from 6 - 8 p.m. Artists Sharon J. Frazier and Linwood M. Smith will be on hand as their miniature dollhouse work is showcased. Their exhibit features more than a dozen buildings and rooms in 1:12 scale, including buildings and rooms inspired by actual businesses in the Parker-Gray community, a historically African-American neighborhood in Alexandria. The reception is free and those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 703.838.4356. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Saturday, January 24, 2009. For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org.

Thursday, December 11 – Apothecary Holiday Sale
Support local history and find the ideal gift while shopping at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum! Check out the great selection at the museum’s gift shop (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) and save 10% off all merchandise between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For more information, please visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.838.3852.

Beginning Tuesday, December 2 – Alexandria Police Youth Camp Christmas Tree Sale
The Alexandria Police Youth Camp is soliciting volunteers to help sell Christmas Trees. Sales began Tuesday, December 2, and will continue while supplies last. Times are 4-8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Come get in the holiday spirit while contributing to a great cause. The tree lot is next to the train station on Callahan Drive across from the Masonic Memorial. For more information, please contact Lieutenant Jack Compton at 703.838.3830.

Open through Wednesday, December 31 – Drawings by William Lydston, Jr. Exhibition
This exhibition of Civil War artwork at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site (4301 W. Braddock Rd.) has been extended through the end of the year. Civil War drawings by soldier, artist and musician William Lydston, Jr. are featured in this exhibit with musical instruments and related objects as part of the statewide celebration of Virginia’s musical heritage. Admission to the museum is free. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.838.4848.

Open through Saturday, February 28, 2009 – Jones Point Lighthouse Exhibition
A new exhibit at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, highlights the Jones Point Lighthouse and the Fresnel lenses that guided vessels into Alexandria along the Potomac. A scale model of the building and interpretative panels discuss the history of the lighthouse from its construction in 1856 to recent restoration efforts. Also on view are two original Fresnel lenses, one of which was actually used in the lighthouse itself. The Lyceum, located at 201 S. Washington St., is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 - 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $2 and limited free parking is available. For more information, please visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, December 13 – Stretch Your Family’s Dollars
The Old Town CDC hosts “How We Got Over - Stories and Strategies for Tough Economic Times.” Learn how to stretch your family’s dollar and make the most of limited resources. Hear innovative tips and ideas from Urban League presenters and experienced citizens who thrived during the Depression, recessions, and other challenging economic times. Forum will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 634 N. Patrick St. To reserve seats, e-mail service@oldtowncdc.vpweb.com or call Nataki MacMurray at 202.412.2692. For more information, please visit www.oldtowncdc.vpweb.com.

Saturday, December 13 – Annual Cheerleading Exhibition
The City’s Annual Cheerleading Exhibition will kick off at 11 a.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. The exhibition features preteen and teen cheerleading squads from the Charles Barrett, Charles Houston, Cora Kelly, Mount Vernon, Nannie J. Lee, Patrick Henry and William Ramsay Recreation Centers. For information on the exhibition, and to purchase tickets, call the Recreation Services Division Office at 703.838.4345.

Saturday, December 13 – Kwanzaa Craft WorkshopJoin community educator Brian Sales at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe Street) in a fun interactive program that guides participants through the principles of this unique African American holiday. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., find out how to incorporate this celebration into your life and learn how to make inexpensive Kwanzaa gifts known as zawadi. All supplies will be provided at this free event. For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Saturday, December 13 – Christmas in Camp Open House
This holiday event at Ford Ward Museum (4301 West Braddock Road) interprets how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. From noon to 4 p.m., the program features living history interpreters, a Victorian Christmas tree, period music, refreshments, readings of “The Night Before Christmas”, a patriotic Santa Claus, and weather permitting, guided tours of the fort. There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $2 for adults, $1 for children. For more information, please visit www.fortward.org or call 703.838.4848.

Saturday, December 13 – Annual Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
Take a break from the fast pace of the season and experience the unique charm and history at Old Town Alexandria’s most popular holiday event. Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street), Carlyle House (121 North Fairfax Street,), Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco Street) and Old Presbyterian Meeting House (321 South Fairfax Street) by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments. Tour times are from 5 - 9 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older) and $5 for children (ages 6-17). To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit www.historicalexandria.org or call 703.838.4242.